NPR News - Environment
Breaking news on the environment, climate change, pollution, and endangered species. Also featuring Climate Connections, a special series on climate change co-produced by NPR and National Geographic.
Updated: 4 hours 43 sec ago
NPR's wildfire correspondent on one of the Western U.S.'s worst wildfire seasons
The Western U.S.'s wildfire season has been one of the worst in years. More than 8 million acres have burned, at least seven wildland firefighters have died, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed.
Categories: Environment
He died of 'natural causes.' But his mother says she knows what killed him: heat
When Arizona counts heat-related deaths, Adam Willson isn't included. His story shows how thousands of heat deaths can go uncounted every year in the United States.
(Image credit: Ryan Kellman)
Categories: Environment
NPR spent 2 years tracking deaths from heat. We found a staggering hidden toll
An NPR investigation found that people in the U.S. are dying from heat much more often than official counts show. We explore the reasons why — and how lives can be saved.
Categories: Environment
A melting glacier contributed to the deadly Nepal floods. We can expect more like this
As the climate continues to warm, scientists warn that the frequency of disasters like the floods in Nepal will increase.
(Image credit: Niranjan Shrestha)
Categories: Environment
Forest service to allow chainsaws to clear trails of downed trees despite ban
This summer, fallen trees are blocking hundreds of miles of wilderness trails, following unusual weather events. Some forests will allow chainsaws as a controversial exception to a ban on motors.
Categories: Environment
The real cause of most wildfires? People
More than three quarters of all wildfires in the U.S. are caused by human behavior including accidents, negligence and arson.
(Image credit: Margaret Albaugh for NPR)
Categories: Environment
